Went back to Podiatrist who performed my first surgery (titanium rod implant). I brought with me the new X-Rays which were taken at The Hospital for Special Surgery by an Orthopedic Dr. who specializes in the foot and ankle. The Orthos recommendation was to have a bone fusion in the great toe using bone from below my knee. My Podiatrist concurred that bone fusion would be the final surgery. However, he thinks he can correct the problem by removing the large implant which is not sitting well (possibly due to its size) and replacing it with a smaller one. He claims this will end the pain I am experiencing and give me mobility in my toe whereas, with the bone fusion, I will remain with a stiff great toe. He said he would do the bone fusion only as a last resort. Has anyone ever had this done? The Podiatrist claims the recovery from the second surgery will be a lot better than the first since it does not involve cutting bone (bunionectomy) or scraping arthritis out as was done in the first surgery. I don't know what I should do and I need to make a decision soon. As always, I welcome your responses.
